The 10 Best Home Stereo Systems
Nov 2018

The Score indicates the overall value of the product.
The rating is based on multiple factors:
The 3 metrics ‐ Opinions, Popularity and Quality,
and other indicators such as: Relative Price, Brand, Reputation and more.
Popularity

Compare Prices

Trending
Home Stereo Systems
Products

Related Categories

Your Guide To
Buying a Home Stereo System

By Nicole Blanckenberg

If you are looking for a simple system to play your favorite tunes, an upgrade to your current system, or you want something with pizzazz to add to your entertainment system, stereo systems offer a variety of sound options. There are a lot of name brands and various model features out there and deciding can be stressful, but we are here to help you make a sound investment with your stereo system! This stereo system buying guide will assist you with navigating through your options and deciphering the jargon so that you can quickly and easily decide which stereo system is perfect for you.

All-in-one Stereo Systems: These stereo systems are compact and lightweight, offering all the features you would expect in a stereo system in one single unit. Combining speakers, amplifiers and controls into one easy-to-move device makes all-in-one stereo systems ideal for smaller areas as well as for situations where you will be moving around your system from time to time.

Sub-less Stereo Systems: Sub-less stereos are a good compromise between size and audio quality. They consist of a compact system amplifier plus two speakers and provide a neat solution for increased sound quality.

Subwoofer Stereo Systems: Along with a separate amplifier and speakers, these stereo systems include a separate subwoofer for enhanced bass. They are an ideal stereo system to add to your entertainment system and video sources, offering high quality sounds. Perfect for parties or if you like music with a lot of bass.

Wireless Stereo Systems: These modern systems take all the frustration out of speaker placement by connecting them to the amp via wireless technology, the most well known of which is bluetooth. This means that you are able to place speakers wherever you want and move them where needed without worrying about wires.

Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

Sound Quality: The most important reviewing feature of a stereo system is the sound quality of the device. If they can’t reproduce music with clear sounds, adequate volume and a deep base, they are not reviewed well. To ensure the best sound quality for your prospective unit, choose a stereo system that fits your size and playing needs and compare online reviews of top brands.

Connections: The more connections a stereo system has, the more devices it can play, the higher the reviews are. Systems that can play iPods, iPhones, android devices, and CDs are high scorers, and choosing a system with plenty of audio source options and connections will give you more playing options.

Size: Size is a key consideration for stereo player owners, and units that fit easily into the chosen room and provide good sound for their size are rated much better than those that don’t.

Quality: Well made units that can survive the occasional bump and years of use are praised by consumers. Stereo systems are an investment and should not only be built to last but come with a warranty to ensure maximum peace of mind and longevity.

Before deciding which type of stereo system you want, consider the size of the room you will be placing it in. Smaller compact systems are perfect for smaller rooms like dorm rooms or studies, whereas larger rooms may need a better quality system to ensure you get better listening pleasure.

The higher the watts of your new system, the bigger the room you can place it into without losing sound quality. 20 watts is sufficient for a study, smaller living room/bedroom, or dorm room. For bigger areas, or if you want to listen to your music throughout your house, you will need a player with at least a 100 watt output.

Another consideration when choosing your system is what kind of media you will be playing. Will you need it to play CDs, MP3s, or streamed music? This will determine not only the quality of player you will buy, but also what connections your new player should come with. Connections on players can include CD, iPhone, iPod, radio, bluetooth, auxiliary in, and even turntables. Choosing which connections you need will depend on your music collection.

Another thing to consider if you are including your stereo into your entertainment system to enhance your video watching is an HDMI port. This connection point will ensure top quality sound while watching your video devices.

A stereo system that includes an easy to read display will ensure that you will be able to always see information like song name or track number at a quick glance.

For much more user convenience, opt for a stereo system that includes a remote so you can easily skip songs or change radio stations without having to get up.

A good stereo system should have a built-in equalizer that will allow you to control the audio levels of different audio channels manually, or automatically with higher end systems.

The subwoofer, included in subwoofer stereo systems, controls the bass (low frequencies) of your sound and choosing a system that includes a sub will dramatically increase the quality of your sound.

Bose: Begun by MIT graduate student Amar Bose in 1964, Bose is based in Framingham, MA. Their signature Wave System speakers use a series of folded passages to carry sound from the speaker driver to the front grill of the unit, allowing the compact units to create clear, surround sound.

Sony: Sony, a Japanese corporation founded in 1946 in Tokyo, Japan, created the Sony Walkman, the world’s first portable audio player. They have continued innovating since that 1979 invention, and their dock and wireless stereo systems are offered in a range of prices, features, and designs that provides a perfect choice for any stereo system consumer.

Denon: Denon, another Japanese company that began in 1910, has over 100 years of audio innovation under their belts. Their all-in-one home stereo systems include a large number of connection options to let you listen from almost any audio source.

Onkyo: Rounding out the top 4 stereo system brands is Onkyo, a third Japanese corporation, also founded in 1946. Their stereo systems will instantly transform your space into an intimate home theater.